October 2016

Be sure to check out our MMJ In The News section for importantinfo concerning your legal rights and access to Medical Marijuana in New York State.

And Check out our Autumn Office Special!

Doc Tommy’s “MMJ Q&A” Show

Beginning in November, Doc Tommy will offer a series of video segments where he specifically addresses your questions! Be a part of this unique venture that will make Medical Marijuana more user-friendly for patients and the public!

Before sending in your questions, take a moment to see if we’ve already answered them on our FAQ page. After reviewing the detailed information we’ve already provided, you can ask what may not have been addressed by filling out the Q&A Form HERE. YOUR INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.

Hand Sanitizer and Antibacterial Soap Considerations

As cold and flu season approaches, you may want to reconsider reaching for the hand sanitizer in your briefcase or bag. Some hand sanitizers contain alcohol compounds ethanol (or ethyl alcohol), isopropyl alcohol and benzalkonium chloride. High concentration exposure to these substances can cause irritation to eyes and skin and may even harm fetuses.

Many hand sanitizers contain an antibiotic compound called triclosan (or triclocarban) which can also be found in antibacterial body washes and hand soaps, toothpaste, mouthwash, cosmetics, children’s toys, clothing, kitchenware and furniture to prevent bacterial contamination.

“The record does not currently contain sufficient data to show that there is any additional benefit from the use of consumer antiseptic hand or body washes compared to non-antibacterial soap and water.”

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) have collaborated on studying the effects of triclosan – the EPA regulates triclosan as a pesticide and the FDA focuses on its long-term use by consumers. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to triclosan has altered how certain hormones work in animals, increased resistance to antibiotics, and weakened immune systems.

Because the manufacturers haven’t proven that these ingredients are safe for daily use over a long period of time, the FDA is currently “issuing a final rule under which OTC (over the counter) consumer antiseptic wash products (including liquid, foam, gel hand soaps, bar soaps, and body washes) containing the majority of the antibacterial active ingredients—including triclosan and triclocarban—will no longer be able to be marketed.” For more information: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Wash Your Hands with Plain Soap and Water

The FDA supports the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendation to Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, and Dry. The good-ol’-fashioned way is still one of the best to prevent spreading germs and avoid getting sick. “Learn more about when and how to wash your hands, the importance of using soap and water, and what you can do if soap and clean, running water are not available. Whether you are at home, at work, traveling, or already sick, find out how good hand hygiene can protect you, your family, and others” on the CDC’s website.

Medical Marijuana in The News

New York:New York Legislative Session Ends With No Improvements To Flawed Medical Program. “Although many bills that would have improved New York’s medical marijuana program were introduced by Assemblyman Richard Gottfried and Senators Gustavo Rivera and Diane Savino in 2016, none of them passed. Most of them died in the Health Committee of the state Senate. Please click here to find out who your state legislators are, and contact them to urge them to improve the medical marijuana program next session.

“Patients are struggling to find doctors that will recommend medical marijuana, because less than 1% of the doctors in New York have taken the costly 4.5 hour course on medical cannabis that is required in order to register with the program. In addition, New York law only permits 20 dispensaries, the second lowest number of dispensaries per capita of any medical state. This helps explain why, in a recent survey of patients, 77% reported that they are unable to afford the medicine they need. Finally, the New York program leaves behind the vast majority of patients who could benefit from medical marijuana, including those with chronic pain or PTSD. The health commissioner recently refused to add PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions despite compelling evidence that medical cannabis can help and has far fewer side effects than the cocktail of drugs usually prescribed.” — source: MPP.org

Washington, D.C., August 11, 2016: DEA Refuses to Reschedule Marijuana. “Today, the DEA announced that it was not rescheduling marijuana. Earlier this year it was reported that the DEA was considering rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule II, a move that would have shown the federal government believes marijuana has an “accepted medical use.” For decades, the DEA has made it impossible for scientists to put marijuana through clinical trials to demonstrate it meets FDA standards for medical safety and efficacy. The only marijuana that researchers have been able to obtain over the years has been a low-quality supply from the one facility that the DEA has given a license to produce it – and that facility is operated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)…– which often squarely conflict[s] with NIDA’s mission to study the harms of drug consumption.

“The Obama administration also announced, however, that it’s finally ending the DEA’s absurd monopoly on marijuana research, which is an important victory for our movement. For decades, the DEA has made it impossible for scientists to put marijuana through the clinical trials needed to meet FDA standards for medical safety and efficacy.” READ MORE on the Drug Policy Alliance website.

Montana:Majority of Montana Medical Marijuana Patients to Lose Access. “On September 1, most medical marijuana patients in Montana are expected lose legal access. After years of court challenges which delayed implementation, most of the state’s 2011 law will be in effect, severely limiting the number of people available to provide medical marijuana to patients.” — source: MPP.org

MMJ in the Arts & Education

Independent Film: MARY JANES: THE WOMEN OF WEED – “DVA Productions proudly presents Mary Janes: The Women of Weed, a groundbreaking, feature-length documentary film that follows female “ganjapreneurs” as they navigate the budding US marijuana industry. Their experience with the medical, legal, technical, scientific and business aspects of cannabis paint a multidimensional portrait of the emerging and influential group of female pot entrepreneurs (see the impressive cast). The film is directed and produced by multi-award-winning filmmaker Windy Borman (The Eyes of Thailand and The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia).” – maryjanesfilm.com

Free Meditation Series with Oprah & Deepak Chopra

It’s a well-known fact that meditation improves your mental and physical experience, and so many people benefit from meditation spiritually and beyond. Beginning October 31, take advantage of the FREE 21-Day Meditation Experience: Creating Peace from the Inside Out! It’s easy to register and participate online or with the app! And it’s FREE! Not sure? Check out these free resources to give you greater insight on what is offered.

Autumn Office Special

Refer A Friend and Receive a $75 Follow-Up Visit

Now’s your chance to receive a $25 credit for each person you refer who becomes an active patient! Share your success with people who may benefit from Medical Marijuana treatment with Doc Tommy’s expertise and comforting care and receive “karma credits!” See Office Policies for more info.

Join our mailing list to be kept up to date.

Disclaimer: Please note that Doc Tommy News is presented as a resource for health tips, current events, and other interests to give patients an opportunity to expand awareness of developments concerning Medical Marijuana in the United States and abroad. The views and opinions expressed in Doc Tommy News are those of the individual authors/parties and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Office of Dr. Thomas G. O’Brien, II.

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Dr. Tom O’Brien, You are a miracle worker! Thank you for helping us find a solution for my mother-in-law’s nightly aggression and agitation associated with dementia… The more I learn about cannabis, the more you hear overwhelming stories, like this one, with cures over illnesses such as cancers and many neurological issues and pain management! Again, I can’t thank you enough for your guidance! Go Dr. Tommy O!! ~ Diane Kallimanis Halka and the whole Halka Family Read More…